Cranial osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment that encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body, including the head.

It is a gentle yet extremely effective approach and may be used in a wide range of conditions for people of all ages, from birth to old age.

lnvoluntary Motion- The Cranial Rhythm

Cranial osteopaths are trained to feel a very subtle, rhythmical shape change that is present in all body tissues. This is called Involuntary Motion or the Cranial Rhythm. The movement is of very small amplitude, therefore it takes practitioners with a very finely developed sense of touch to feel it. This rhythm was first described in the early 1900′s by Dr. William G. Sutherland and its existence was confirmed in a series of laboratory
tests in the 1960′s and ’70′s.

Tension in the body disrupts the cranial rhythm.
Practitioners compare what your rhythm is doing to what they consider ideal.
This shows them what stresses and strains your body is under at present, and
what tensions it may be carrying as a result of its past history. It also gives
them an insight into the overall condition of your body, for example if it is
healthy, or stressed and tired.

Accumulation of stress and strain in the body

When we experience physical or emotional stresses
our body tissues tend to tighten up. The body may have been able to adapt to
these effects at the time, but a lasting strain often remains. Any tensions
which remain held in the body can restrict its free movement. Gradually the
body may find it more and more difficult to cope with accumulated stresses and
symptoms may develop.

http://www.cranial.org.uk/page2.html